Flights to Steilacoom, Washington from NT$3,565

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a stress-free start to your getaway in Steilacoom. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Steilacoom in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.